Now that the winter that never really happened starts to get closer to spring, Nike is announcing several new styles and updates on shoes, uniforms and other products. The spring is about to get into gear. Continue reading Nike Readies for Summer of Competition with New Gear
Tag: Basketball
Converse ConTain Fit New Line
While the lockout may be keeping the pros off the court, Converse is still in the game with a new line of basketball shoes. The Converse DEFCON and Pro Leather 2K11 shoes feature ConTain Fit Technology in the upper, unique to Converse, which first appeared in the Star Player Evo shoe. These form a lightweight brace around the foot and providing breathable structural support and cushioning. ConTain Fit further contours the foot and transfers all physical force directly to the traction system for increased on-court mobility.
The Converse DEFCON shoe, which is named after the military term identifying defense readiness, was built for players to quickly transition from offense to defense. The DEFCON shoes further integrate the upper and midsole with direct-inject EVA foam for lightness, breathability and containment, and also comes with an OrthoLite sockliner providing long-lasting comfort during extended wear. Continue reading Converse ConTain Fit New Line
Nike Steps Out with Nerf Edition Shoes
In November Nike plans to introduce the Nike Zoom KDIV Nerf Edition as part of the Kevin Durant line of Nike shoes. When Nike says Nerf, it means it. The shoes are identifiable by the use of Hasbro’s Nerf brand iconic graphics and bright colors. Black is the backdrop for a blue instep with a bright orange swish and sole detail. Highlights of green in the sole and trim top the shoes off in an eye-catching package.
Nike Mixes Tech with LeBron 9 Cannon Shoes
Nike’s LeBron line has a new shoe. The Lebron 9 Cannon design “focus on functionality without sacrificing style,” according to the company. Nike claims this basketball shoe is the first to combine its Flywire and Hyperfuse technology. While this may be a closer integration, previous shoes including a prototype shoe developed for Tiger Woods this past spring. This may, however, be the first commercially released pair of shoes from Nike using both technologies.
Nike Golf Goes for the Dunk
We normally think of Nike’s basketball shows when we think of “dunk,” but Nike Golf is unveiling its latest Nike Dunk (NG) Golf shoe, which will make the rounds on the PGA Tour this fall, and will be available to golfers starting in the New Year.
The shoes do have a link to the court, not the greens. The original Nike Dunk was created as a basketball shoe in 1985. After it was introduced to the world, the Nike Dunk started a commotion when basketball teams began wearing them to match their uniforms. The shoes caught on, and have and Dunks have become the prized shoes for sneakerheads as well as fashion statements for anyone looking to add vintage style to their shoe collection. Nike even kept original Nike Dunk shoes that were created 25 years ago, to ensure that the Nike Dunk NG feels just the same as the Dunks that people have grown to love. And as the shoes move from the courts to the fairways, Nike ensures that these will do so without compromising performance for golf. Continue reading Nike Golf Goes for the Dunk
Wilson: It’s Official (As in Official Game Ball)
Wilson, at least Wilson the Volleyball, who was Tom Hank’s “friend” in the movie Cast Away, hasn’t gotten much attention in recent years. Probably like Babe the pig, the rolls for a volleyball are few and far between. But Wilson the Basketball, which we assume is a cousin of the volleyball, is heading to court.
Not a legal or regal court however, but the much more high profile basketball court. Wilson will be the Official Basketball of NCAA Men’s and Women’s Championships, and will be part of every winning shot, pass, dunk and dribble. The composite leather cover, composite laid-in channels and Cushion Core Technology variety was first introduced in 2003, the first non-leather NCAA tournament game ball. Continue reading Wilson: It’s Official (As in Official Game Ball)
NBA Bans Shoes – Sure to be a Hit on the Blacktop
Several sports have been rocked with performance enhancing scandals, but most of it has centered around what the athletes have (in some cases supposedly) put in their bodies, but the latest twist could be what athletes are putting on their bodies. Earlier this year swimming’s governing body banned certain skintight suits, while the same has happened with triathlons. Now the National Basketball Association has made a bold move by banishing certain shoes from its court.
The NBA has banned a shoe essentially for violating the rules against any equipment that creates “an unfair competitive advantage.” The particular shoes in question are part of the Athletic Propulsion Labs’ line of Concept 1 that includes the Load ‘N Launch Technology, which supposedly can increase a wearer’s vertical leap. These shoes will not be allowed in the court during the upcoming 2010-2011 NBA season.
This won’t mean the end of the Concept 1 by any means. APL couldn’t buy this sort of controversy. While $300 a pair these shoes are also a bit more expensive than most, but no doubt we expect to see these shoes popular on other courts, as players will look for an edge.
Brace Yourself, and Your Ankles, for the Basketball Court
Basketball is almost synonymous with hi-tops. That’s due to the tendency for players to sprain their ankles with running, jumping and cutting moves typical of the game. Even with the added support of a higher shoe, injuries are still common and can rack up to $3,000 to $5,000 per sprain, and downtime from the season. A new company, Ektio, wants to reduce the number of injuries due to sprains with its two models the Wraptor and Post Up, which will be available in November for the early days of the basketball season.
The Wraptor is a traditional high top with leather, quilted stitching, perforated leather details and patent leather toe and ankle accents. The Post Up is a three-quarter top shoe with mesh walls to keep cool. The defining feature of both shoes in the Ektio line is built in straps within the wall of the shoe to anchor the ankle and prevent rollover injuries. The shoe’s design incorporates “anti-rollover bumpers” on the outside of the sole as well. Continue reading Brace Yourself, and Your Ankles, for the Basketball Court
Armour Up For the Court
In Medieval times knights would sometimes adorn just a bit of armor when visiting the royal court. And now a very different type of “armour” will be adorned for a very different type of court. Baltimore sports apparel company Under Armour Inc. is looking to gain a foothold in the competitive basketball shoe market. Last week the company unveiled its first-ever line of basketball shoes, which will debut in stores this coming November.
The question is whether Under Armour will be able to soar in a market dominated by Nike, which practically stole the market from rivals such as Adidas and Reebok. Of course back in 1980 the shoe maker made its name on the court with its Michael Jordan branded shoes – and Jordan has been retired from the game for a long time, so maybe Armour’s assault is actually long over do. Continue reading Armour Up For the Court
Nike Basketball Gets Hyper
In the world of athletic footwear, shoes are typically sport-specific. Running shoes are constructed for propelling the wearer forward. Basketball shoes are designed to handle lateral, side-to-side jumping. That calls for different support systems. But that doesn’t mean one can’t learn from the other. Nike basketball did just that and used elements from running shoes and then pushed design a little further to create the Nike Hyperfuse basketball shoe.
Nike took inspiration from watching basketball being played in China, where many players opt to wear running shoes for their comfort and breathability. The result is a mesh upper with no seams. The construction of the shoe consists of layers of fabric, mesh, and an internal skeleton structure fused together with heat, then shaped to cover the foot. Benefits of a seamless construction include more precise and speedy construction, no stitching and seams to cause discomfort, hotspots and ultimately failure to stay together due to stitches coming undone. Nike says stitching and “blowouts” are the most common reason for returns.
Now that Nike has released the Hyperfuse for basketball, it will be interesting to see what other sports get this hyperfusing treatment. My guess is that running shoes will be next on the production line, but plenty of other sports can benefit from the design.
Nike Hyperfuse
via: ChicagoNow
Padding the March Madness Players
Basketball is not the sport you associate with padding. Those flimsy polyester shorts and tops don’t provide much in the way of armor. Many players are starting to add a layer of compression or padding under their uniforms to get an edge over the competition. Adidas TechFit line has both compression and padding options. While NBA players are adopting the gear into their game, NCAA members competing in March Madness finals are also said to be wearing the new garments.
The PowerWeb line combines compression fabrics and a Web of strategically placed Thermoplastic Polyurethane bands to boost power to key muscle groups. Compression gives power to musicle groups for more efficient movement, increasing acceleration; improving endurance; and reducing fatigue.
TechFit Padded uses closed cell foam padding to protect athletes and provide maximum flexibility. High-impact resistance helps players avoid injuries when they come into contact with other players or the hard wood surface of the court. A CNN article details some of the practical uses and injuries that were lessened by the extra layer of protection.
Players can choose padding, compression, or a combination of the two in shorts, tops, knee and elbow garments based on the position they play and their individual needs.
Adidas TechFit